Junior Khanye questions Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to appoint Fernando Da Cruz

Junior Khanye has criticised Kaizer Chiefs’ appointment of Fernando Da Cruz, saying he is “very disappointed” with the team’s performances and tactical approach after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch.

Chiefs remain unbeaten in the Betway Premiership this season, but were forced to recover from a goal behind at FNB Stadium. The result leaves Amakhosi fourth in the table with 14 points from eight matches.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba gave Stellenbosch the lead early in the second half before Mduduzi Shabalala levelled shortly before the hour mark.

Khanye believes Chiefs’ decision to bring back Da Cruz as head coach has not addressed the problems that affected the club under previous coaching arrangements.

Da Cruz was part of Nasreddine Nabi’s technical team when the Tunisian took charge at Naturena, working alongside Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. Da Cruz left before the start of that season, while Kaze and Ben Youssef assumed responsibility after Nabi’s departure.

Speaking to the Siya crew, former Chiefs attacker Khanye questioned what had changed since Da Cruz’s return.

“Fernando Da Cruz was part of Nasreddine Nabi’s first technical team when he arrived at Kaizer Chiefs, even though he didn’t stay for long back then. They were all there along with Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. The club got rid of the head coach, Nabi, and Kaze and Ben Youssef were put in charge,” he said.

“On the field of play, nothing much changed for the standard of Chiefs after those changes. Then, for this season, the club decided to bring back Da Cruz, and this time as the head coach. All I am trying to say here is that all these coaches believe in the same kind of way of doing things, hence they were working together in the first place.”

Khanye says Chiefs should have considered Pitso

Khanye said coaches often surround themselves with members of their technical teams who share their football philosophies.

“Look at Pitso Mosimane, and wherever he goes, he has almost the same people working with him, and they all believe in the same way of doing things. That’s how things work these days in football. Rulani, wherever he goes, (Sinethemba) Badela will most likely be there,” he said.

He then questioned Chiefs management’s decision to appoint Da Cruz after the previous coaching structure had failed to produce the desired improvement.

“Now, ask yourself what Chiefs management thought would change when they brought back Da Cruz after what the other coaches who were meant to work with him did didn’t work?” Khanye asked.

He added that Mosimane should have been considered when Chiefs changed their technical team, rejecting the argument that the club could not afford him.

“Pitso was available when Chiefs made the changes and they should have gone for him, and I won’t agree with anyone telling me that the club wasn’t going to afford him. Look at what he has since done with the national team, winning all the matches during the recent FIFA break,” he said.

Khanye also criticised Da Cruz’s selections and defensive approach, saying the concerns predated the Stellenbosch match.

“I am very disappointed in Da Cruz, and I mean, how do you start a match defending against Polokwane City? It didn’t start in last night’s match against Stellenbosch, but this way of line-up selection and playing has been ongoing, and it’s disappointing. I honestly don’t believe that he is the right coach for a big club with such rich history as Kaizer Chiefs,” he added.

Chiefs next face Zambia’s Red Arrows FC in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.